Cough, Cough, Hack, Hack, It’s Flu Season Again

While reading one of my favorite magazines yesterday, NATURAL HEALTH, I ran across a small list of facts about the flu compiled by a fellow writer, Kate Wertheimer. Depending on your propensity for yukiness, you may want to read this list with caution however, we’re all out there together getting exposed to all those live viruses who often are being carried by folks with little if any sense about how contagious they are. We’ll get to her list later, which was compiled in New Zealand. Apparently they do a great deal of research in most countries about the strains of viruses they can and will choose for their flu inoculations.

In this country, the good old USA, this research is coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Since the giving and receiving of the flu jab is an annual event, the CDC begins to look at the possibilities they questimate may be in our future for the coming year. Their appraisal and judgment is based on the previous year but must be done months in advance in order for the injections to be manufactured in time for the coming flu season.

Since strains of influenza are fluid, no, perhaps I should not put it quite that way since the results can be fluid indeed; rather let me say since the strains can be ever evolving and changing from month to month, the scientists and physicians at the CDC do the best they can. To quote from the official site of the CDC, “The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Three kinds of influenza viruses commonly circulate among people today: influenza B viruses, influenza A (H1N1) viruses and influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Each year, one of each kind is used to produce seasonal influenza vaccine.”

Since I don’t believe they have a crystal ball at the Centers for Disease Control, and have to plan many months in advance for the vaccine to be manufactured, it is a truly flexible, changing and fluid business. These various strains are ever changing and evolving. Those little buggers never stay still.

The flu shots are recommended for all people over the age of 6 months but especially advised for folks over 65; those with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, autoimmune diseases, etc. 90% of the deaths from the flu are in this over 65 age category. The most popular version of the injection is made with dead virus, is injected into the upper arm and takes two weeks to build full antibody protection in our bodies. Some people have a local reaction such as redness or itching at the injection site for a day or two. Personally, I never have but some do.

There is a nasal mist version available and it may cause a runny nose, cough or sore throat and irritation for a few days. Apparently there is a “super” version of the injection for people over 65 as well as an intradermal version. This last one would be given just under the skin. Not sure why it is necessary but am certain they have a reason and use for it in some patients.

Those who should not get a flu shot are those under six months of age, individuals who are allergic to chicken eggs, those who already have a fever and infection (they should wait until it passes to get the shot) and any individuals who fit into the category which is quite rare of those who have had a severe reaction to the shots in the past. This would also include anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Check with your doctor if you fall into any of these sub categories.

Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans both public and private and hopefully, you’ve already received yours for this year, wherever you live.

Your next goal and mine is to protect ourselves from others who already have the flu so we don’t join them. With family members it’s almost impossible to avoid contact unless you want to zip yourself into large bag but it’s difficult to drive, to shop, etc. Realistically, we need to do a few things to keep safe and hope others have some degree of consideration and will do the same. We know they won’t, but some considerate individuals out there among us will be thoughtful. Perhaps the following facts from the previously mentioned NATURAL HEALTH article will inspire you via the New Zealand scientists who also study the flu for their citizens.

1 in 4 people do not cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. 3,000 droplets are expelled from a single cough and fly up to 50 mph. 40,000 droplets can be in one sneeze and may travel at 200 mph. If an individual is already ill with the flu, their cough or sneeze may contain as many as 200 million particles of flu virus. Now if you still feel like being out in public or visiting that sick relative just remember all of these disgusting facts and WASH YOUR HANDS, often and for at least 45 seconds. ..with soap.

Yesterday my little granddaughter showed me a smear on her sleeve and proudly stated it was from her nose. I said, “Yuk. Why didn’t you use a Kleenex?” She shrugged and so it goes. Kids will be kids and they at least are learning to cover their cough with their elbows so now I guess we need to steer clear of elbows. It’s a big infected world out there and for those of us who already have a parcel full of health issues it’s vital that we not only wash our hands often but also take our daily share of the antioxidant vitamins. I also like some of the homeopathic medications for prevention such as a product by Boiron called Oscillococcinum. It’s safe for everyone. You simply pop a dose under your tongue and let it dissolve. I buy it in bulk from Drustore.com or Amazon.com because it’s less expensive but it’s also at the your markets. The rest of our local family has been ill so I’ve been hitting it pretty hard lately. The flu can be frightening. Last year I had an intestinal flu so bad I would have gladly laid down and died just to escape. I did recover 19 pounds lighter. I felt like a human dispenser…don’t ask.

Stay warm. Stay away from surfaces at the store, etc. Use those wipes they offer for the cart handles. Carry Purell or a bottle of handwash with you and definitely wash your hands as soon as you get home…first thing.

Okay, I’m doing all I can. Now, about the common cold…Oh, I just don’t have the strength to go into it right now. Stay well.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Falkner-Wood

Sue Falkner-Wood is a retired registered nurse living in Astoria, Ore., with her husband, who is also an R.N. Sue left nursing in 1990 due to chronic pain and other symptoms related to what was eventually...read more